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Hung Shing Festival

The Hong Kong islands, especially the new territories are known to have all sorts of beautiful festivities throughout the year.

One such festival is the Hung Shing Festival, which takes place on the 13th day of the second Lunar month. In 2019, it'll be celebrated between March 10 to 23.

Hung Shing, the legend and deity for whom the festival is celebrated, was no supernatural or spiritual figure of sorts. In fact, Hung Shing (Saint Hung), belonged to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). Briefly, during this period, he was the Governor of Panyu, located near Guangzhou.

He was greater than any governor or minister. He was renowned for his depth of knowledge in subjects such as geography, mathematics and astronomy, the former of which benefited fisherman and sea merchants greatly. An observatory was built solely to forecast weather. He was greatly loved, especially by the fishermen.

Tragically, he overworked himself to an early death. Several temples were built in his honour on the coastal regions of the Hong Kong Islands. With over 20 Hung Shing Temples in the islands, there's only one place that celebrates the festival most - Ap Lei Chau.

It's here that the first Hung Shing Temple was established (in 1773) by local fisherman, in Ap Lei Chau near the Aberdeen Waterfront. The diverse celebrations include beautiful traditional processions, dragon dances, lion dances, and several Chinese Opera performances as well.

Ap Lei Chau isn't the only place that celebrates the Hung Shing festival. The 800-year-old village Ho Sheung Heung celebrates it as well, with festivities throughout the day, including firecracker scrambling in the afternoon.

The Hung Shing festivities on the islands help to you give an entirely new perspective of Hong Kong. While Hong Kong is known to be a concrete jungle with large skyscrapers and the best modern amenities, the islands in and around the region are a simpler, more rustic and traditional part of the area that not many people know of. The culture and architecture of the villages give you a sense of being transported back in time.

Not only do you get a great insight into the beautiful festivities of the region, but you experience a whole new side of the 100+ islands which make up the Hong Kong territory. We recommend you try the local seafood to top off what should be an incredible experience!

How to reach Ap Lei Chau:

Reach MTR Lei Tung Station and step out through Exit A1. Walk down Ap Lei Chau Main Street and head towards Hung Shing Street. It's a relatively short walk from the Station.

How to reach Ho Sheung Heung:

Go to MTR Sheung Shui Station Exit D1 and take the minibus 51K to reach Ho Sheung Heung.